Wanna Buy Ferrets? Check Out The Ferret Laws By State First!

Would you like to buy a ferret? They are cute, very playful and gaining popularity in the US. However, did you know that owning a ferret could be illegal?

Check Out The Ferret Laws Before The Purchase

Countries such as New Zealand and certain parts of Australia prohibits pet ferret ownership, and it is no exception in the United States. If you are thinking about getting the furry ball, please make sure you check the relevant ferret laws to avoid disappointment.

Ferret Laws Are Confusing!

Since pet legality is governed by cities in the United States, the numerous exceptions can create total confusion to aspiring ferret owners, and no one seems to have taken the daunting task of listing the various ferret laws by state.In this website I attempt to summarize the most basic information on ferret laws by state for anyone who is thinking about owning a pet ferret. Please read the "important note" at the end of this page.

Ferret Ownership Allowed and Never Been Prohibited (36 states)

Alabama

Arizona

Arkansas

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware - Vaccination against rabies is required

Florida

Illinois - Permit required to breed ferrets

Indiana

Idaho

Iowa

Kansas

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Nebraska

Nevada

New Mexico

Montana

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas*

Virginia

Washington

Wisconsin - illegal to use ferrets for hunting. Also, an import permit from the state department of agriculture is required to bring on into the state.

West Virginia

Wyoming

* You may have read some (old) information that pet ferrets are not allowed in Dallas. The change of law in 2005 has legalized ferret ownership but vaccination is required.

Ferret Ownership: Prohibited Before But Are Now Legal (8 states)

Alaska â€“ allowed since 1985

Pennsylvania â€“ 1987

Vermont â€“ 1989

Georgia â€“ 1991. A permit is required to breed ferrets.

New Hampshire â€“ 1993

Utah â€“ 1993

Michigan â€“ 1994

Massachusetts â€“ 1995

Ferret Ownership: Legal With Permit Requirement (4 states)

Kentucky

New Jersey

New York (except for New York City, see below)

Rhode Island

Still Illegal (2 states and more)

The following states/territory argue that ferrets are wild animals and potential carriers of the rabies virus. There are also concerns of uncontrolled breeding in the wild and the resulting damage to natural habitats.

States/Territory

California â€“ under Fish and Game Code Section 2118 and the California Code of Regulations. Californian ferret lovers have been fighting to legalize ferret for the last 15 years.

Hawaii

Puerto Rico

Others

New York City's 5 borough (but it is legal to own ferrets in Long Island)

Washington DC

Most military bases

Important Note:

Laws do change, so please check with your city ordinance's latest ferret laws just to be safe. You can get the information by calling any of the following:

You local Wildlife Department or Fish and Game Department

Local chapter of the Humane Society

Veterinarians in your area

If you are ready, please come back and check out my other article on the best Ferrets diet for your new friend. See you!